National mapping agency: The name conjures images of legions of cartographers laboring away at familiar maps of their respective countries—political, transportation, geologic, vegetation, and topographic. In truth, national mapping agencies (NMAs) have a vital and often underappreciated role in national government. They provide timely, relevant, and accurate geospatial intelligence in support of economic development, scientific research, natural resource management, navigation, safety, and national security. They are the leaders in collecting, managing, combining, and promoting the use of accurate and up-to-date geospatial data for use by government, business, and the public.